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August 18, 2014

Fall is Planting Time

Summer is the time to enjoy fun in the sun. Fall is the time
for planting.

Why fall? Many of you might think spring is the best time to
plant. That’s not entirely untrue. There are plenty of things you can plant in
the spring but fall is a great time to plant things like shrubs, bulbs and
trees. We’re talking about things like turfgrass, perennials and cool-season vegetables.

There are many benefits to planting in the fall. The cooler
air is easier on plants. It’s also easier to work in your garden in the fall,
when those dog days of summer are just a memory. Yet, while the air might be a
bit cooler, the soil should still be warm. This means roots will still be able
to grow until the ground freezes. In spring, you have to wait for everything to
thaw before you can really begin to plant in earnest.

Another positive reason to plant in the fall is rain. Many
areas typically see a healthy amount of rainfall in autumn. Combine this with a regular watering program and your lawn and garden should get plenty
of water.

So why plant trees and shrubs in the fall? Trees and shrubs
will have the autumn months to develop root systems. This will help accelerate
their growth in the spring. If the trees and shrubs are planted in the fall,
they can use the winter season to rest and recover.

It’s a good idea to conduct a soil test on your lawn in the
fall. This will help determine what, if any, amendments your soil needs before
winter. It’s also a good idea to apply fertilizer in the late fall. This autumn
feeding will help protect your lawn during the harsh winter months. You can
also overseed areas of the lawn during late fall. This will help with the
spring growing process.

Blogmaster

Phil Goold is a retired landscaper of 30 years. He loves being outside more than anything else, except maybe pie. He enjoys connecting with other landscapers and gardeners because everyone brings something new and fun to the table. Connect with Phil on Twitter and Google+.